Chapter 7: Rituals and saving
At Hideout
Nadjena read both of their files about Klein and Valesta it took her time to read both. One thing that she noticed about Klein's past and Valesta's past and made her comment, "So...let me get this straight, Klein is only failed Magus while he studied a forbidden ritual by sacrifices? And Valesta is nothing, but a low-life vampire despite trying to resurrect Dark Six?"
While Father Itusu, sat on chair while drinking his tea as he nods with his response, "Yes, Burial Agency wants him dead. Same thing for Clock Tower. If it goes out, then everyone else will try to emulate his work. As for Valesta, he already did cheat death once before. Luckily, Satsujinki was able to prevent him from reviving Dark Six. The rest of history were already kept in the dark."
"Mmm...this feels like it is far bigger than Emperor's regime. In this case, I'll be happily to help you to track them down with my resources. But one question, why do you keep call him as Satsujinki? Why not use his name?"
Father Itusu is about to speak up before they both heard the door is open upon seeing, Tatsumi and Akame were both exhausted as if they need to take rest. Najenda smile as she stood up, starts to ask Tatsumi.
"Welcome back, both of you. So how's your mission?"
They both sat down on chair and starts request for their drink before Tatsumi make his report, "My mission was...unexpectedly success. Shiki killed him before I could finish."
"Oh. I didn't know he managed to took Zanku down. I would rather to congratulate him for kill-" while she was interrupted by Akame, shook her head as she knows what she and Tatsumi saw.
"No. Shiki managed to killed him without doing anything else. He simply stares at Zanku at death as if...I don't know how to say it. He just killed him with his eyes."
"You're joking right? There's no way that he did kill him with his eyes." said Itusu as he laughs off before drinking his tea. His expression starts to change into terrifying as he starts to spew out from his mouth, "Did you say he stared him to death?! Did you both see his eyes?!"
With every Night Raid members were all surprise, but never seen him being terrified. They were about to start the question before Tatsumi respond, "No. He never looks at us. He just killed him without doing anything else. Why?"
"Oh, thank goodness. Both of you never seen his eyes before," said Itusu as his forehead starts sweating as if he knew Shiki's terrifying abilities, decide to give them warning, "Whatever you see his eyes, then don't look back again. You don't know what his eyes looks like. Consider yourselves lucky to be alive."
Bulat is simply confusing as he tried to understand what Itusu was saying and starts to ask him, "What you're saying is...his eyes is more deadlier than Teigu? You know what it's like?"
"You don't. Think of it, it's like you're staring at the abyss, and it stares you back. You know what's the consequence that stares you back?"
"Then you've gone insane, right?" said Leone as she answers to Itusu, "As opposite?"
"Yes. You'll be good as dead. Whether you end up dead as heart attack or something. Think of it as Marble Phantasm, or at least Reality Marble."
With Night Raids become too confused what Marble Reality or Phantasm is. Before Itusu realized and decide to explain properly, "Think of it, it's like you're inside the box. If you are caught in it, he or she will wipe their subject away without existence. But it's hard to explain both of them because they are nothing but serious. All True Ancestors and DAA do have different Phantasms. It is far scary and terrify at the same time."
"How do we get away from their...so-called, magic bullshit?" said, Mine, still doubting Itusu's explanation, "Then we are thrown into this fucking vampire world and expect us to deal with them!"
He shook his head with sad face as he answers, "You can't. You will be good as dead. Before you ask me about his eyes, we don't know about his eyes because we want to learn about it. Same thing for Clock Tower. And now we were unable to learn about it because most of our agents died from an unknown causes or worse."
Najenda felt not sure about her guts toward Shiki, but she is being concerned if her team would go against him, otherwise he could kill them without doing anything. Will she keep trying to recruit him, or go against him?
She took her deep breath, wanting to change the subject, "Ok, you may go back to your church to pray or do your magic thing or whatever." Father Itusu understood what she meant as he is about to head back to church as he opens the door before closing it.
While Nadjena looks at Tatsumi and Akame were both tired and exhausted and decides to give them a rest before asking a question, "You got Teigu, don't you? In this case, why don't you take rest for a day."
Akame nods her head without a word as she hands Teigu that was once belong Zanku. As soon as they both left from room in order to get rest.
"You all may dismay," said Nadjena, as they all left at the same time. With her being alone as she noticed two files are still on the table. It makes her want to read on their background again. She decides to read Valesta's background.
Next day
Shiki's POV
Shiki drank his coffee while he observes some people were walking on their way to work or some patrolling in this area. He decides to hear rumours again next with two civilians sitting opposite.
"Did you know Zanku is dead? I heard Night Raid did kill him." said a middle age man with thick accent.
"What? I thought Satsujinki did kill him, but his body didn't have wound. They said he was perfectly fine until they claimed he died of a heart attack." said young man.
They kept talking about either Satsujinki or Night Raid while Shiki finish his drink as he is about to pay before noticing a young girl with odd dog is walking around. He decide not pay her attention without worry. Until she saw him with blindfold and decide to help him with his direction.
"Hold on! Stop right there!" said an unknown girl with an odd dog as she managed to catch him, "There you are. Walking around with your blindfold? Don't you think it is reckless for you to walk for being blind?"
Shiki is really surprise and didn't know how to say it with an awkward face, "Well...I must be dumbfounded. Thought I could walk on my own."
"Then I have to walk with you." said the young girl, smiling at him before introducing him, "My name is Seryuu and you are?"
"Just call me Shiki. And I have one question...about your dog. Why is he sniffing on my leg?"
She looks down as she saw him trying to sniff his leg before start sneezing and felt cold, "Oh forgive Koro. He is determining to sniff if you are criminal or not."
"Then am I criminal to you?" said Shiki, shot back at her but didn't want to provoke her.
"I'm sorry. Since you are blind, and it is my duty to help people out here. Would you mind to tell me where are you going?"
Since he didn't have anywhere, return to home. He knew only one place is church but staying in hotel is out of question. He decides to play along, "I'm heading straight to St Villa church because I was supposed to meet my friend here."
She smiles at him as she nods her head as they start to walk while talk casually. She asks him about his eyes, since she wants to know what is his eyes looks like.
"Since I was young, and I have an accident because I used to play with my siblings. The result is I got injured by myself and managed to brought dishonoured to my own family." said Shiki, remembering his past life and some incidents. He still can't blame SHIKI for killing him because his impulsive has gone out of control. He would have been dead while SHIKI could have live as per opposite. He would have. Shiki knows why he still live as dead man walking.
"Oh, I'm sorry about your eyes. I didn't mean to ask about your eyes." said Seryuu, surprise as she picked sensitive topic, starts to apologize him.
"It's ok. No worries. I don't blame you because my family is long dead." said Shiki, still remembering his family and decide to exclude his sister because he didn't want to mention her, nor her company as well. Therefore, he changes his topic about Night Raid and Satsujinki, "Say...what do you think of Night Raid and Satsujinki? I kept hearing them."
"Mmm...as for Night Raid, I know they are targeting nobles and wealth, include military commanders too. I believe it is their goal to wipe them out. Speaking of Satsujinki, nothing much to know about him. It is said he keeps killing more than 70 people and still counting. Maybe Night Raid and Satsujinki just basically disagree each other."
Shiki smile at her, which she didn't realize she is talking to real killer here until they found someone who lost his way. Shiki immediately recognize him before covering for him, "Hey, Tatsumi! You know I was waiting for you at cafe so that we can catch up."
With Tatsumi is being surprise Shiki brought an imperial officer with him, thinking he would rat him out, instead, cover for him, putting his arm around on Tatsumi's neck, "Where were you? Don't you know how long have I wait for?"
"Wh..what, Shiki?" said Tatsumi as he noticed that girl is wearing her uniform which it indicates her either from army or officer, "Oh right. I forget because I was on...an errand. Sorry about this."
"No worry. I'm sure you know where we go. And thanks, Seryuu for walking with me." said Shiki, smiling at her as they part way.
While Shiki and Tatsumi both walk on different direction which he never intend to head straight to St Villa. He looks at Tatsumi, avoiding his eyes and knew what he did killed Zanku. He can't blame him because humans are easily fragile.
Tatsumi save what he could.
Shiki kills what he cares for.
"Hey, kid. Ya know that girl is Seryuu? She's Orge's student."
Tatsumi's eyes become widen as he looks at him as he realized she had Teigu, "That's her? And the odd looking dog?"
Shiki nods his head without a word, confirming what he saw before Tatsumi sigh, "This sure is my worse day as Leone left me alone to be lost again. And now stuck up with Shiki again. Let me guess...more vampires to kill?"
Shiki laughs at him, shaking his head, "Nope. Today is my day off. My treat for you. I'm sure you will like your drink at one of my old friend's place. Follow me."
Tatsumi felt he had no choice left, but to follow him as they both walk to different place than St Villa.
Later...
Brothel place
Tatsumi literally died inside while Shiki guides him to brothrel as it says, Dreamer.
Tatsumi's thought spoke out by himself, 'Why on earth would Shiki takes him to Dreamer? Was it for pleasure?'
While Shiki smiles at him as he put his hand on shoulder, "I know what you're thinking. We are not here for this. We are going to meet my old friend here."
They were both greeted by two tall muscle bouncers. One of bouncer raise his hands before telling, "If you are here for this place, then would you kindly please fuck off. We are not in mood of your joke."
"Oh, oh, oh. Lend me a ear would you? I'll tell you," said Shiki as he starts whisper at him while his face has gone pale. His friend is a bot concerned and about to back him up before being told.
"L...let them in. No question ask!" said bouncer as if his voice being scared of.
They were let in as they were greet lots of imperial soldiers and women were having pleasure. From what Tatsumi noticed some of imperial soldiers were sleeping as the women sucks something out from their mouth. He doesn't understand what were they doing.
"They are succubus. They can suck thier...if you know what I mean," Shiki gave his hint to Tatsumi before he realize he meant.
"Then why are we here? You mentioned that you have friend here?"
Shiki raise his finger as he point up, "Up here. That's where we going and have to talk my friend here."
They both head gone upstair and found a female secretary with brown hair, along with plain black eye glasses, organizine some files for client. She looks at Shiki and Tatsumi before resuming her task. She perks her head as she realize before greeting them.
"My apology, I was busy and I shall let her know you're coming through..." said female secretary as she stood up shakliy and thus open the door in order to let them in.
Once they got in before they heard their close behind without even looking back. They noticed that woman in suit with mid-30, brunette hair, reading her papers as she looks at him with her disappointing face.
"Who the hell le...AHHHH!" said woman as she realized Lord of Death brought his friend with him before she stood up as she offers her seat to Shiki, "Please take your seat. I'll bring drink for your friend. I'll be back."
She hurriedly left as soon as possible while Shiki and Tatsumi are now alone. While Shiki smile as he took his seat before putting both of his legs on the table, "Why don't you take your seat? I imagine you are tired."
Tatsumi is still puzzled and confused at same time before taking his seat before checking his surround, "I don't know how you did it. I assume, you two know each other?"
"Ha. Let's just say...business. So just ignore her because she is not important. She knew my reputation and Len all along." said Shiki smile at him before she came back with the most expensive wine and gave to Tatsumi.
"If..you may excuse me, I shall wait for both of you to finish so that I can get back to work, Death."
She bows her head as she is about to leave before Shiki tells her, "Wait. Can you please take care of him here? I'm going to find his friend."
"Hold on. She isn't easy to find, Shiki. Not unless she finds me." said Tatsumi as he has plan to leave without making trouble.
"Don't worry. I'll find and bring her to you before both of you gone back to your base." said Shiki as he left the room, leaving Tatsumi and succubus wonan behind. He plans to find Leone and remembers his conversation with Sion less than days ago.
Flashback
"Shiki, how long has it been? 10 years?" said Sion, joking with him.
"That's far behind. At least I still look young to you." said Shiki, starts chuckle a bit before she respond with her laughter. They start gets into normal conversation, "Shall we walk elsewhere?"
"Sure, I don't mind. Anywhere is fine as long as I don't like seeing people haning to death."
He nods his head as they starts walk elsewhere. Neither Sion, nor Shiki starts to talk each other. It feels like Shiki is being stranger to her. Was it because he spend his time in castle with White Princess? No. It wasn't like he did want to spend his time in castle. He was busy to hunt every vampires and clans. He felt bad for Sion because she is still looking for her cure. He can't blame her.
Sion decide to speak up, "This cannot keep up with you anymore. You do realize how concern am I? You should have take your channce to take it."
"Ah sorry...Unfortunately, I have no part for it anymore. Not after 5th Holy Grail War, I've seen what it's like over there. I don't think it fits for me anymore because I'm just...basially no one to them. As long as I keep vampires and magus away from there."
"It's shame then. I guess there's no turning back anymore. I respect your choice and I'm happy for you. I've seen the future holds you, but, yours is still blank."
"Then I'll make on my own. Future or no future. I'm sure everyone here do have their own future in order to obatin their happiness." said Shiki, making his awkward smile, "It's not like I'm being jealous for them."
Sion smiles at him, knowing she can't make him to change his mind as she looks at people, "Then I do know these two of them do have potentiel as future servants. As far as I know it's not you yet."
"I'm already aware of it. One boy who saves this world from suffering. One girl who protect empire from destruction. Both of them recieves ends soon. That's what it says," said Shiki, knowing these two do have potentiel which he ensure them to pick their path.
Sion close her eyes as she smiles, knowing he made it sense in future. She decide to part her way before making her goodbye to Shiki, "This is where we part. I hope we meet again in future."
"Before you go, can you do a favor for me please?"
"Sure anything else."
He took his envelope from his pocket as he gave it to her, "Please send it to him. I'm sure he knows it once he reads it."
"Let me guess...original one?"
"Nope. Different one."
"Ah...that white hair boy." said Sion, kept her envelope in her pocket before making her gesture wave, "We shall meet again. And please don't die."
Flashback end
Shiki still smiles as he remembers Sion and him spend his time to hunt rumor down until they encountered, Wallachia. Fortunately, they were able to stop him from turning their town into chaos. He came out from Dreamer as he sighs, looks around on every roof where Leone observes. He could see her silhouette before disappear.
Shiki knows where she is as he starts to run and climb fast without having anyone notice his movement. He found Leone sits without her realizing Shiki being here next to her. She mutter as she decide to plan to get him out there.
"Should I sneak back door? Should I use their roof to sneak in?
Shiki starts chuckle as he spoke to her, "Then you can walk in."
"Nah. It is risky to en- WAH!" said Leone as she far surprise Shiki makes here without making noise, "Then how long have to been standing here?"
"Just now. So you're here to get Tatsumi? Go and get him." said Shiki, smiles at her before she respond.
"Hah. You sure know how to spook me without hearing your movement. In this care, I shall go and get him. Thanks for taking care of him."
"My pleaseure, Leone. I heard North has been conquered by Esdeath?"
"Rumor sure spread faster," said Leone, smirking at him before stood up, "Anyway, thanks for taking care of him. I need him to finish my job to do assasination. What about you?"
"My informant already found rituals over there. I should investigate over there and possibly intels too."
They both head down from roof without making sounds as they both part way. While Shiki is making his own way to location where it was suspect ritual over there.
Once he managed to find a plain house which it was merely abandoned. If you may think that house is an empty, chance is that Klein or Valesta turn their place into hideout in order to make it look like an abandon.
He got inside and notice the room is basically an emtpy, lots of trash and lack of funiture. He looks around to check carefully, floors, doors, and hidden trapdoor. Once he noticed there is a single book on shelf, didn't want to assume it may be trap. He took risk as he pulls it and thus reveal a hidden trap door.
"Bingo." said Shiki as he descend down with caution, whatever he prepares to face vampires, undead or something. Once he reach down and saw a bunch of torch light on the wall which strangley left the fire to keep on.
He kept going straight and thus found a dried pool of blood, some rituals writing on walls, a workshop and couple of dead bodies in boxes. He noticed there is a blue book on that table. He walks toward to worksop as he picks it up. Flip every pages to ensure nothing is missing. Good. Nothing is missing. He starts to check dates which it starts like 2 weeks ago.
"Mmmm...that was unexpected since I clean up 2 weeks ago."
He checks on the name as it says, Valesta on back of page.
"Heh. You cheat death once before as I killed Dark Six. Consider yourself lucky you lose your eye."
He kept blue book in his pocket and decide to burn evidence so that Empire wouldn't learn about this ritual.
Later...
With crowd saw the house is burning down before the soldiers gather up and preventing crowds before fire fighters could douse the flames away. While Shiki stood on roof as he watches the fire were able to take whole house down. He left the scene as he jumps on every roof before noticing there were two Night Raid members fighting Seryuu and her dog which it was already transform.
He decide to stay and observe and wait for their outcome. While sheele cuts Seryuu's both arm while Mine kept the dog busy. Ultimately Seryuu had her cards hidden and thuse reveals her guns coming out from her served arms and starts shoots her.
sheele manages to block bullet with her scisscor in time as Seryuu decide to give command to dog, "Koro activate berserk!"
While Koro transform into huge muscle dog as it startes scream. With both Mine and sheele covers their ears before Mine was grabbed by Koro. Koro is about to crush Mine before sheele cuts Koro's arm in order to save Mine.
Seryuu opens her mouth as her gun appears and starts to shoot sheele's chest. Koro took its oppurtunity as it rips her into half.
"Ouch. That's hurt, sheele. Maybe it's time for me to get it done." said Shiki stood up as he stretch his arms. He notice the soldiers arrive in time before sheele use her scisscor to flash in order to give Mine to escape.
Mine had no choice left but to leave her friend to die while Shiki stood and smile, "sheele you sure do have noble cause."
He made his move faster than eyes could meet. Shiki cuts Koro's arm as it screams in pain before he grabs her and her lower as soon as they left the scene, heading straight to forest.
Sheele's eyes open weakliy and recognize Shiki and unable to speak due to no strenght left her already. She had her last time to look while they were in forest, were being fast. Her blood coming out from her mouth.
"Don't talk. I'm taking you to mansion. That's where she will fix you up." said Shiki, holding her before she close her eyes. This was last time that she saw already.
Author's notes: Wow...just wow. It's been more than 5 years since I was unable to continue this story. So I was like, I don't know where to start because I was busy with my job. So I would like to apologize for me taking so long.
So let's recap with new TsukiR, i'm really happy Nasu took his time to get it done. But the thing is I have to wait for their translation so that I can read, plus, waiting for Red Garden because they would expand more story. Thanks to them, I was able to learn new things were already change and some lore were already new. It is completely new to me than what I know was OG Tsuki and manga, include some Fate lore (too many fate lores).
Anyway, see you!